“That's not possible, I don't think. You couldn't meet a fitter lad. There has to be another reason.

“He had a stringent medical here, at Newcastle, at Marseille and for France before the World Cup. He’s never had a problem with his fitness.

“It's not fair (to say Rémy failed a medical). It must be a breakdown or Liverpool have changed their mind.”

It remains to be seen whether another club will come in for Rémy, but Redknapp claims he would love the France striker to start the season at Loftus Road.

“He will come back here,” said Redknapp. “I said last year he could get 20 goals in the Premier League. That’s what we need him to do for us and if he does we'll be delighted. He's capable of that. From a selfish point of view, I've got a great striker back here.”